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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

In a later announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.